Essential Prepositions for Giving Instructions

A word that helps us understand where something is or how things relate to each other. It tells us about the position, direction, or time of things in a sentence.

Inside a specific location or device.

Example: 
- Click on the 'Start' button located in the bottom-left corner of your screen

On top of or displayed on a screen or surface.

Example: 
- Look for the 'Settings' icon on your home screen.

Below or beneath something.

Example: 
- Connect the printer cable under your desk.

Being beside or very close to something or someone. 

Examples: 
- The book is next to the pen on the desk.
- Plug the power cord into the socket next to your computer.

At the back of or in a position further back.

Example: 
- Check if all the cables are properly connected behind your modem.

Located before or ahead of something.

Example: 
-Place your smartphone in front of the camera to scan the QR code.

In the space separating two objects or locations.

Example: 
- Insert the CD into the slot between the buttons on your laptop.

At a higher level or position.

Example: 
- Enter your username and password in the boxes above the 'Sign In' button.

At a lower level or position.

Example: 
- Find the 'Settings' option below the main menu.

Close to or not far from something

Example: 
- Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal by sitting near the router.

Moving from one side to another or passing from one point to another.

Example: 
- Insert the USB cable through the port on your computer.

From one side to the other, typically crossing over or traversing something.

Example: 
- Drag the file across the screen and drop it into the folder.

In the direction of something.

Example:
- Swipe towards the left to access the menu.

Moving in the opposite direction or distancing from something.

Example:
- Move the cursor away from the edge of the screen.

Moving in a circular or surrounding motion.

Example: 
- Wrap the cable around the adapter to keep it organized.

Situated or occurring on the exterior or beyond a particular area.

Examples: 
- Please wait for me outside the store
- Look for the power button on the outside of your computer

Located within something.

Examples:
- The cat is inside the box. 
- Locate the battery compartment inside the back of your device.

In a higher position or direction.

Example 
- Scroll up to view more content on the webpage

In a lower position or direction.

Example: 
-Swipe down to refresh the page

In a deactivated or non-operational state.

Example: 
- Turn off your device by pressing the power button.